Links Must Be Distinguished from Surrounding Text
- December 7, 2025
- Accessibility, Links and Navigation
Quick Reference
Element Code: AC-027
Issue: Links are only distinguished by color, with no other visual indicator
Impact: Users with color blindness cannot identify links
Fix: Add underline or other non-color visual distinction to links
Detection: Manual review, color blindness simulators
What Is This Issue?
If links are only distinguished from surrounding text by color, users with color blindness may not be able to identify them. WCAG requires an additional visual indicator beyond color alone.
Why This Matters for Your Website
Approximately 8% of men have some form of color blindness. Relying only on color excludes a significant portion of your audience.
How to Fix This Issue
- Add underlines: The traditional and most recognizable link indicator
- Use bold weight: Combined with color change
- Ensure 3:1 contrast: Between link color and surrounding text
Tools for Detection
- Color blindness simulators: See how your links appear to colorblind users
TL;DR (The Simple Version)
Your links are only distinguished by color. Add underlines or another visual indicator so colorblind users can identify them too.
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